24-hours-after-bjp-exit-nearly-14l-join-annamalai-s-new-movement

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai’s newly launched political movement attracted nearly 14 lakh members within 24 hours of his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party, signalling significant early interest in his bid to build an alternative political platform in the state.

 

Annamalai formally resigned from the BJP on 5 June after weeks of speculation over differences with the party leadership. BJP president Nitin Nabin later accepted his resignation.

 

In his resignation letter, Annamalai cited differences with the party’s central leadership over the political direction for Tamil Nadu.

 

“At this point, I would recall the multiple conversations with the top leadership and the disagreements I have expressed over the last 18 months. I do not want to burden the top leadership any further with my ongoing thoughts on the way forward for a growth-oriented and culturally rooted politics in Tamil Nadu,” he wrote.

 

Soon after announcing his departure, the former IPS officer unveiled a new political initiative, describing it as the next phase of his public and political journey.

Also read: Annamalai quits BJP to fight 'cult politics'

 

Calling for greater participation by ordinary citizens and young people, Annamalai said the movement would promote “people-centric politics” and challenge what he termed the culture of “permanent MLAs and MPs”.

 

The movement, titled “We The Leaders”, had enrolled 13,85,763 members within a day of its launch, according to figures displayed on its website.

 

The platform encourages volunteers to participate in grassroots initiatives related to education, health, the environment and youth leadership.

 

Annamalai also confirmed that the movement would contest the next Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and work towards nurturing a new generation of political leaders.

 

“I joined the party six years ago, seeking to bring positive change to Tamil Nadu and improve how politics is conducted in the state,” he said.

 

Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 after leaving the Indian Police Service and rose rapidly through the party ranks, becoming the state unit chief at the age of 37.